Shooting Starts on English-Language Pusher Remake

Vertigo Films and Embargo Films announced today that filming will start on May 8th for the English language remake of Nicolas Winding Refn’s film Pusher. Here is the press release:

Vertigo Films and Embargo Films are delighted to announce that principal photography will commence on the highly anticipated English language remake of Nicolas Winding Refns film PUSHER, on May 8th, 2011. Directed by LUIS PRIETO, lead cast include international super model and actress AGYNESS DEYN; Brit superstar, RICHARD COYLE (W.E./ Prince of Persia); BRONSON WEBB (The Tudors/Robin Hood/Dead Man Running) and PAUL KAYE (Its All Gone Pete Tong/Match Point). NICOLAS WINDING REFN takes on the role of Executive Producer, with Rupert Preston from Vertigo Films and Chris Simon and Felix Vossen from Embargo Films producing. International Sales are handled by Gaumont International.

As edgy and explosive as Nicolas Winding Refns 1996 cult classic, this English language remake tells the story of a week in the life of FRANK, a big time drug pusher in London. Franks life is a fun-filled rollercoaster of a ride that soon spins out of control. Friendships start to vanish, there is no longer room for love within his life, and violence takes over. Danger and chaos are all around and he becomes a man trapped in his own world. Eventually Frank is left with no one to turn to and nowhere to go, becoming a man paralysed with the fear of knowing there is no way of preventing his inevitable fate. Fast-paced, visually striking, witty and with some of actings finest talents, Pusher will have you gripped from beginning to end.

Executive Producer, Nicolas Winding Refn, commented: Pusher was the film that launched my career and to have Luis Prieto direct the remake in London will be an exciting venture. Its a classic tale with strong characters and has an engaging narrative. To see my characters, Frank and Tony in London, one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world, is an opportunity not to be missed.

I have worked with Rupert Preston, partner of Vertigo Films, in a number of capacities. Not only is he the UK distributer of all my films including the Pusher Trilogy, he also produced my film BRONSON. With him, nothing can go wrong. Together, Rupert Preston and I havebeen known to take creative risks, push projects to new platforms and deliver outstanding performances.

Vertigo Films is a great team. Working with them again will continue our relationship. A remake of PUSHER in London promises to be a powerful project that will excite the world. This will not let you down.

Pusher director, Luis Prieto, commented: “I am delighted to be on board such an exciting project and having the chance to work with Nicolas Winding Refn. PUSHER will be thrilling, funny, fast paced and visually striking.”

Rupert Preston from Vertigo Films commented: I get goosebumps just hearing the original title music again. This is going to be awesome. PUSHER re-made, updated and set in London  can it get any better than that!

Chris Simon and Felix Vossen from Embargo Films commented: Luis is hugely talented and we couldnt be more excited to be working with him on his re-imagining of Nicolas seminal PUSHER. Together with our friends at Vertigo we cant wait to bring his vision of the film to the big screen.

Shooting will take place over 5 weeks, in Londons Shoreditch and Dalston.